About the CMA

The Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector, representing Canadian museum professionals both within Canada and internationally. The CMA works for the recognition, growth, and stability of the sector. It was established by a small group of people in Quebec City in 1947. There were 161 museums in Canada in 1951; by 1972 there were 838 museums, galleries and related institutions. As the quantity of Canadian museums increased, so did the need for the CMA.

Today, the CMA has nearly 2,000 members, and supports them with training and professional development programs, conferences, publications, networking opportunities, a body of knowledge, and a dedicated staff.

CMA members include non-profit museums, art galleries, science centres, aquaria, archives, sport halls-of-fame, artist-run centres, zoos and historic sites across Canada. They range from large metropolitan galleries to small community museums. All are dedicated to preserving and presenting Canada's cultural heritage to the public. Over the past 60 years, Canada's museums have developed an international reputation for excellent programming, dedicated public service, and high standards of professionalism.

The CMA is governed by an elected Board of Directors and maintains a full-service Secretariat in Ottawa.

2015-2018 Strategic Plan

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is very pleased to share with you our direction, values and focus for the coming five years. This Strategic Plan is the culmination of over two years of work, which built upon the core values and principles of the CMA. The CMA has a proud tradition of communicating its directions to it members, beginning in 1981 when the first Strategic Plan was initiated.

The 2015-2018 Strategic Plan articulates our direction for the organization, which highlights the need for working collaboratively with stakeholders and the need for a shared approach to resolving common issues that will ensure the sustainability and development of the museums community in Canada. The challenges that all Canadians are facing will no doubt have an impact on how the CMA moves forward over the next five years. This Strategic Plan takes into consideration this reality, and for this reason the organization believes that now is the time to highlight the nature of our core business to our membership and the general public, by stressing the importance of museums and their impact on Canadian society.

The Canadian Museums Association's Secretariat is located on the traditional lands of the Algonquin peoples.We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory in mutual respect and gratitude.